A Business Forum was organised in honour of Ms. Maropene L. Ramokgopa, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa who is nearing completion of her four-year term in India. The business forum was organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in association with All India Association of Industries. Ms. Ramokgopa said, “Indian MSMEs, who generate 70-80% of total employment, can collaborate with South African business community to create long-lasting relationship.”

Ms. Ramokgopa invited business delegation from India to explore commercial opportunities in South Africa.

Mr. Thulani Mpetseni, Director, The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa led a business delegation representing food & beverages, winery, engineering, aircraft, smart cities, steel fabrication, rural hygiene and sanitation and machine & hand flayed hides, among others to the World Trade Center Mumbai. Mr. Mpetseni said, “We are here to strengthen and deepen our historical relationship. We need to work together to address our common challenges of poverty, income inequality and unemployment.”

Mr. Mpetseni said, “Indian companies have invested more than USD 8 billion in South Africa so far. Similarly, South African companies have invested close to USD 1 billion in India. Our mission is to grow this healthy trend in trade and investment.”

Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “South Africa is the second largest trade partner of India in the African continent. We welcome the delegation members from South Africa to grow trade with India. Through this event, Indian business community can explore South Africa as a gateway to the African market. By ensuring full participation of women in economic development, a country can triple its GDP in five years. Women continue to be under-represented in all spheres of economic activity.”

The event ended with Business-to-Business meetings among members of the South African delegation and their potential business partners in India.

In Photo:

Ms. Maropene L. Ramokgopa, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa addressing participants. Seated (L-R): Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Mr. Thulani Mpetseni, Director, The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa and Mr. Rajan Kumar, Advisor: Business Development, Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa.